Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA)

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1 Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA) 1 Introduction India is one of the megabiodiverse countries in the world with four of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the entire world (V Report to the CBD). With the 15 th longest coastline among the maritime countries of the world, the Indian coastline is a mosaic of ecosystems strewn along its 8,000 km. These include rocky and sandy shores, sand dunes, rich mangrove areas, mudflats, saltmarshes with rich halophytic vegetation, lagoons, estuaries, corals, seagrass beds, etc. The Indian coast boasts of being home to many important, charismatic and highvalue (in an ecologic and economic sense) marine and coastal lifeforms and other resources, and also supports myriad livelihoods and industries directly or indirectly dependent on them. This include tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, real estate industry, many industrial activities that requires water front such as power plants (nuclear and thermal), chemical industries etc., to name a few. The unsustainable anthropogenic pressures emanating from these activities are proving to be detrimental to this ecosystem, which are compounded by other factors namely climate change, increased incidences of natural disasters etc. This calls for an immediate focus on the protection and better management of this critical ecosystem. India, a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held its presidency for the term The Eleventh Conference of Parties to the CBD placed marine and coastal biodiversity on the centre stage of areas/issues needing immediate focus. With India s national priority and commitment, compounded by its term as President of the COP to 1 P age

2 the CBD, there was much emphasis on bringing more coastal and marine areas under conservation and better management. In 2012, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, entered into a Technical Cooperation Project on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA). The CMPA Project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), Government of Germany, coordinated by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India and implemented by Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with MoEFCC and respective State Governments. 2 Objectives and mode of implementation The main objective of the project is to show ways and means to improve the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity along the coast. Taking into consideration the economic importance of the coastal zone for large segments of the population the project s approach is people centred, thus ensuring the acceptance of conservation by those directly affected. The project uses a variety of tools to achieve its objectives. 2 P age

3 The Project intervenes at two levels in India: National and at the level of selected federal states. A. National Level a. Strengthening of human capacities (HCD) in the State Forest Departments. In India, the Forest Departments are mandated to manage the coastal and marine protected areas. The HCD intervention support to strengthen their faculty with respect to managing the marine and coastal protected areas. The project has developed strategic partnerships with two leading Indian training institutions mandated to provide training for current and future Forest Department officials. After a thorough needs assessment, the project, together with these institutions has: Developed modular training programs for three levels of administrative responsibilities in the forest sector (park rangers, mid level and high level government officials). Ensured the integration of these training programs into the standard curriculum of the training institutions. Organised a large number of training of trainers to familiarise the staff of the participating institutions with advanced training methods. A similar approach was used for the media sector (students and media professionals) and is planned for the fisheries sector. b. Strategic research of national importance dealing with questions such as marine park management, the management of seagrass beds, or the protection of charismatic animals such as the sea cow or cetaceans. B. State Level a. Assistance at selected project sites for improving the management of existing and potential protected areas on the coast. b. Training of field staff of the concerned forest departments in respect to coastal and marine biodiversity (including diving courses). c. Information and communication campaigns to generate better awareness among stakeholders and the general public. 3 P age

4 3 Project Sites CMPA Project Brief 2016 The Selection of project sites was done through a consultative process including state governments of coastal states, research institutions, non governmental and civil society organizations. National Consultation Workshop on Coastal & Marine Biodiversity Gandhinagar, 2012 National Fact Finding Mission WII report on the Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas ICMBA) of India, August 2011 Workshop on Indo German Scientific Cooperation, September 2013 The sites visited selected through a set of criteria & indicators Fact Finding Mission to sites suggested by the Planning Workshop Four States Goa Gujarat Maharashtra Tamil Nadu National Project Planning Workshop, May 2013 Seven Pilot Sites CMPA Project Sites in India 1. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat 2. Gosabara Wetland Complex & Madhavpur, Gujarat 3. Thane Creek, Maharashtra 4. Velas Dabhol Coast, Maharashtra 5. Ansure Creek, Maharashtra 6. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary & Chorao Island, Goa 7. Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu 4 P age

5 Project Pilot Sites: Main characteristics and expected Project impacts 5 P a g e State Project site Area/ coast length Gujarat 1. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary 2. Gosabara Wetland Complex & Madhavpur Habitat type 6 km 2 Wetland adjoining the Jamnagar Marine National Park; supports bird variety of 260 species To Be Defined Coastal Wetland, supporting a rich bird variety around 200 species; turtle nesting beaches Maharashtra 3. Thane Creek 26 km Coastal Mudflats, rich mangrove ecosystem, an Important Bird Area Goa 4. Velas Dabhol Coast ~60 km Most important turtle congregating area along the Maharashtra coast; variety of ecosystems (sandy shores, rocky shores, mudflats mangroves) 5. Ansure Creek To Be Defined 6. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary & Chorao Island Mudflats and mangrove vegetation 1.8 km 2 Mudflats and mangrove vegetation; the only bird sanctuary in Goa; traditional rice cum fish farming practices (Khazans). Tamil Nadu 7. Palk Bay 130 km Variety of ecosystems (mudflats, mangroves, coral patches, seagrass, sandy shores); conservation issues (dugong sea horse, sea cucumber) Status at the onset of the Project Wildlife Sanctuary Important wetland of Gujarat and listed as Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Area (ICMBA) No special status; listed as ICMBA No special status; part of the area listed as ICMBA No special status; part of the area listed as ICMBA Wildlife Sanctuary Listed under ICMBA; site adjoins one of the three Marine Biosphere Reserves in India (the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserves and National Park) Current status/ work undertaken Support declaration of a Ramsar Status Support declaration of a Ramsar Site and Important Bird Area (IBA) Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in Aug 2015; support to the development of a Sanctuary Management Plan; Interpretation Centre Support to communitybased conservation models (turtles); Interpretation Centre Support to communitybased conservation models (mangroves) Interpretation Centre at the Wildlife Sanctuary; promotion of the Khazan system. Support people s efforts towards co-management of natural coastal resources Expected Project impact Establishment as a Ramsar Site Declaration of Ramsar Status and IBA The Sanctuary Management Plans established & operationalised Establishment as a Biodiversity Heritage Site Establishment as a Biodiversity Heritage Site Improved Management of the sanctuary; conservation of the ecofriendly Khazan system. Co-management Model for resource conservation CMPA Project Brief 2016

6 3.1 Gujarat Coastline 1600 km CMPA Project Site Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary. Gosabara Wetland Complex. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar Declared as a sanctuary on 06/11/1982, it is the biggest of its kind in Gujarat with an area of 6.05 km 2. It adjoins the oldest marine protected area of India, the Jamnagar Marine National Park. This wetland ecosystem provides a variety of habitats supporting some 250 bird species (including 105 migratory and 9 globally rare and threatened species). Project Activities Support the Gujarat State s effort to establish the site as a Ramsar Site. Facilitate the operationalisation of the Sanctuary s existing management plan. Increase the capacities of the forest officers in dealing with coastal and marine protected areas. Facilitate exposure visits to effective and successful coastal and marine protected areas outside the country. Set up a state of the art interpretation centre (funded by Tata Chemicals). Gosabara Wetland Complex and Madhavpur This coastal wetland complex is a brackish water lagoon and figures in the Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Area list. The area qualifies as a potential Ramsar Site. The adjacent Madhavpur is an important Olive Ridley nesting site. The area has recorded over 260 species of birds (out of which 130 are water birds). 6 P age

7 Project Activities (Gosabara Wetland Complex and Madhavpur): Support the Gujarat State s effort to establish the site as a Ramsar Site. Support towards developing a wetland management plan. Facilitate Citizen Science (participatory process) initiative to engage scientific community, school teachers and students/ eco clubs etc. Increase the capacities of the forest officers in dealing with coastal and marine protected areas. Facilitate exposure visits to effective and successful coastal and marine protected areas outside the country. Set up an indoor and an outdoor interpretation centre. 3.2 Maharashtra Coastline 800 km CMPA Project Site Thane Creek, Mumbai Coastal Stretch from Velas to Dhabhol, Ratnagiri Ansure Creek, Ratnagiri Thane Creek, Mumbai The 26 km long Thane Creek is situated in the midst of a bustling metropolis, Mumbai. The area is listed under ICMBA to be protected. The creek s mangroves and mudflats form an ecosystems rich in biodiversity. Apart from attracting a seasonal flamingo population to the tune of 30,000, it is refuge to more than 200 species of birds, including a large number of threatened species like the Greater Spotted Eagle and Osprey. For this reason it has been given the status of an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. The Government of Maharashtra issued a notification on August 6, 2015, declaring the northern area of Thane Creek between Airoli and Vashi bridges as a Wildlife Sanctuary under Sec. 18 of the Wildlife Protection Act, The area of 1,690 hectares consists of 896 ha of mangroves and 794 ha of adjacent water bodies. This Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is Maharashtra s second marine sanctuary, the other being the Malvan Wildlife Sanctuary. 7 P age

8 Project Activities (Thane Creek, Mumbai) Supported the Mangrove Cell in establishing the Thane Creek as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Facilitate the preparation of a scientific management plan for the sanctuary and its sustainable management. For the same, it has conducted various studies including baseline studies, rapid biodiversity assessment of the sanctuary area. Increase the capacities of the forest officers in dealing with coastal and marine protected areas. Facilitate exposure visits to effective and successful coastal and marine protected areas outside the country. Created various brochures, standees, booklets to disseminate information of the area to the wider public and policy makers. Supported the Mangrove Cell in Celebrating the World Mangrove Day in Thane showcasing the importance of the mangrove ecosystems. A Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Park, Airoli is being set up to sensitize and raise awareness of the general public about the rich natural wealth of Thane Creek, focusing on its mangroves, flamingos, other lifeforms integral to a healthy ecosystem. Velas to Dabhol Coastal Stretch, Ratnagiri District Maharashtra This coast of some 60 km in length is bordered by Savitri River (Velas) in the North and Vashishtri River in the South (Dabhol). It is dotted with black and golden sandy beaches, rocky shores, coastal plateaus, mangroves etc. Beaches along this coast have become popular due to its reputation as the largest marine turtle congregation and nesting ground along the coast of Maharashtra. The coast also figures in the ICMBA list. The project primarily focuses on the villages of Velas, Kelshi and Anjarle within this coastal stretch. Velas, located along the Konkan coastline of Maharashtra, is a small and peaceful village in Ratnagiri. The community initiative started by interested villagers in turtle conservation has become a role model of biodiversity conservation through community participation. Velas is also known for its homestays that not only give the tourist an authentic flavour of rural life and traditional food but has also provides sustainable livelihood options for the local population. 8 P age

9 Project Activities (Velas to Dabhol Coastal Stretch) Support the conservation model of biodiversity with the active participation of the community. Facilitate efforts to improve the sustainability of the homestay model. Improve the garbage and sewage management in the area with the involvement of local governance units such as panchayat, BMCs, the village community etc. Facilitate the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees and building capacity of the local population to make people s biodiversity registers. The options of declaring this stretch as a Biodiversity Heritage Site is looked into. Increase the capacities of the forest officers in dealing with coastal and marine protected areas. Facilitate exposure visits to effective and successful coastal and marine protected areas outside the country. Created various brochures, standees, booklets to disseminate information of the area to the wider public and policy makers. Conducted Turtle Festivals, Celebrated Wildlife Week, Celebrated Biodiversity Day by conducting painting competition of school children, etc. Set up a state of the art interpretation centre to raise awareness among the general public. Ansure Ansure Creek, is located on the boundary of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts about 70 km south of the district headquarters of Ratnagiri. It is world renowned through its Alphonso mangoes. The creek has mudflats and luxuriant mangrove vegetation. Project Activities Facilitating the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees and building capacity of the local population to make people s biodiversity registers. Set up outdoor interpretation centre to raise awareness among the general public. 9 P age

10 3.3 Goa Coastline CMPA Project Site 105 km Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Chorao Island Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary The sanctuary, established in 1988 and covering an area of 1.8 km 2, is situated on the western tip of Chorao Island along Mandovi River. The Chorao Island is the biggest of the 17 islands of Goa. The sanctuary features a dense mangrove vegetation and is home to some 140 species of birds including Heron, Kingfisher, White Bellied Sea Eagle, and Black Eagle. Marsh crocodiles, foxes, jackals, otters, bulbous headed mudskippers are some of the other interesting sightings in the area. The island of Chorao is also known for its traditional eco friendly production systems known as the Khazan lands, a paddy cum fish culture system, which provides a healthy diet of both grains and proteins to the local community. Project Activities Support to showcase the traditional ecofriendly production system, the Khazans of Goa. Support the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees and building capacity of the local leaders in managing the same and to prepare the people s biodiversity register. Facilitate review and revision of the Sanctuary Management Plan for sustainable management of the Bird Sanctuary. Participated in the Goa Carnival by supporting a Kheldo Float made entirely out of waste and showcasing the unique fish species the Mudskipper (an indicator of a healthy estuarine ecosystem) locally known as Kheldo. Set up of a Visitor Centre to highlight the biodiversity of the area and the importance to maintain its health. This helps increase the awareness of these ecosystems among the public. 10 P age

11 3.4 Tamil Nadu Coastline CMPA Project Site 1076 km Palk Bay (Ramanathapuram District) Palk Bay The project area in Palk Bay (Ramanathapuram District) covering a coastal length of some 130 km, is a mosaic of critical habitats including, mudflats, mangroves, coral ecosystem, and seagrass. The area is home to critically endangered species such as Dugongs, seahorses, and turtles. Project Activities Support a co management model for resource conservation. Baseline studies and vision exercises to understand community s perspective of resource conservation and management. 11 P age